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Packers Bringing In QB Brock Jensen for Official Pre-Draft Visit

The Green Bay Packers will be using one of their 30 official pre-NFL Draft visits on North Dakota State quarterback Brock Jensen, a native of Waupaca, Wis., according to a source. The visit will take place next week.

Jensen helped lead NDSU to three straight FCS national championships, culminating in his final one this past January as a senior. It's that experience that Jensen thinks is his best quality heading into next level.

"I've started 53 college football games," Jensen told Cheesehead TV in February. "For me, being able to see different defenses, different looks, blitzes, coverages, just that experience that you get in the game and throughout practice over the course of that many games certainly helps. You can't take that away.

"And also just having an upside. I got better every year at NDSU and showing that I have my best football left in front of me. I'm very coachable. I'm a student of the game. I have great passion for football."

Beginning Apr. 1, all NFL teams could start bringing in up to 30 prospects for a visit at team headquarters, in which they can meet with a player, interview him and put him through a physical but not put him through a workout, according to former NFL scout Greg Gabriel of the National Football Post.

The Packers and many NFL teams use pre-draft visits on player they were not able to meet with at the NFL Combine or all-star game circuit. A majority of them end up being late-round draft choices or undrafted players.

Seeing as Matt Flynn remains a free agent, the Packers could very well be in the market for a backup to starter Aaron Rodgers.

Green Bay currently has Scott Tolzien under contract at the position, but Mike McCarthy said he was hopeful at the Combine that the team could add a quarterback in the Draft, citing a desire to have four quarterbacks on the roster during the offseason.

Despite the small-school pedigree, Jensen has prototypical NFL size at 6' 3" and 223 lbs. and has played against major-college competition in games versus Minnesota and Kansas State.

Jensen said that NFL scouts, including the Packers, started to take a growing interest in him after North Dakota State's unexpected road win at Kansas State this past season. Many came to campus wanting to see on film the plays that were made in that particular game.

On the day, Jensen completed 21 of 30 passes (70 percent) for 165 yards and two touchdowns. He also scored the game's decisive touchdown on the ground with just 28 seconds to play that put the Bison up 24-21.

"We definitely don't shy away from the big moment," said Jensen. "Whatever team is in front of us, regardless if they're an FCS team or not, you're going to get my best; you're going to get our team's best. And that's what we've shown and proven over the course of my college career."

In four years, Jensen completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 8,598 yards with 72 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. His contributions on the ground added up to 1240 yards (3.5 ypc) and 35 touchdowns.

Should he be signed by the Packers, it would represent a return to his childhood as a Packers fan.

"I grew up as a kid a Packers fan," said Jensen. "I'm from central Wisconsin. Of course, I would think every Wisconsin kid growing up was a Packers fan, getting to go to Lambeau and watch the green and gold on Sundays."

Brian Carriveau is the author of the book "It's Just a Game: Big League Drama in Small Town America," and editor of Cheesehead TV's "Pro Football Draft Preview." To contact Brian, email [email protected].

I personally don't want to see Scott Tozein released. I thought he played Great last year. He had that bad throw on the 2 yd line, & that kind of changed things for him. He threw for a lot of yards. He always was a confidence type of QB. I don't see anything wrong with keeping him & whoever else they draft or sign. The people in California say he Damn Near beat out Kapernick. He just needs a little confidence. He's a Good QB LVT

Did I miss something? Did GB sign Flynn? I agree it comes down to winning. Flynn did do great at GB 2 years ago, & yes he won 2 games last year. He also had a Great season at LSU 3 years ago. I personally wouldn't give him the GB job based on last year. He beat Dallas, ( I still don't know how we won that game), & I give him credit for beating the team from the south. I still would keep Tolzein. He's too good of a QB to give up. Flynn has more experience, so he has had an edge. I wouldn't call him the better QB. If given a fair chance, it wouldn't surprise me if Scott would beat out Flynn for the position. JMO

If Jensen is the 24th ranked quarterback in this year's draft class, he probably won't be drafted and can be signed as a free agent. I like his size and his quarterback records.
Mike McCarthy has said he wanted to keep 3 quarterbacks. That means he should have more than 3 competing in summer camp. And Flynn hasn't been signed.

Why do we need to seek out a QB to draft, especially as high as the 4th round? If a QB is easily the BPA, I wouldn't oppose drafting one, but I am pretty comfortable with Flynn (should he be signed) and Tolzien fighting it out in training camp. I always liked keeping 3 QBs, but I acknowledge that might be tough this year. Would GB be able to successfully stash a QB drafted in the 4th round on the practice squad?

Tom B., I'm going to stay on Scott Tolzein's Band Wagon, until he's gone, just like I was with James Jones. I I think Scott is too Good of a QB, to let go. He satisfied a lot of Fans at WI, & if given the chance, he'll prove it in the pros. I honestly believe, had he not thrown that Ridiculous interception on the goal line, Flynn would have never seen the field. I like them both, but I do not want to see Scott Tolzein go. LVT

Tom B., Cleveland wanted Scott Tolzein last year, that's why GB (I Guess) matched their offer, & kept him. I hope they still feel that way. I like both Flynn & Tolzein, but if I had to pick 1, it would be Tolzein. All he needs is Confidence. That one game last year, he threw for over 300 yard's and lost. He's got too much upside to let go. It may not have gone his way last year, but if he can start out well this year, I believe he'll win the job, Hands Down. We all seen too many of his games at WI. He's a Damn Good QB.

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"I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious."